On the third anniversary of the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, which left behind many dead and injured and caused massive destruction, several countries expressed their solidarity with the families of the victims and their support for Lebanon. In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Lebanon was not alone and would not be, highlighting France's readiness to support the country.
"Lebanese, I think of you. After the explosion in Beirut three years ago, I was by your side. I will always remember our exchanges. Lebanon was not alone. It is not still. You can count on France, our solidarity, our friendship." - Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 4, 2023
The French Foreign Ministry expressed hopes that "the Lebanese judiciary will continue to conduct the investigation transparently and free from political interference." The French embassy shared a tweet from President Macron's envoy to Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, stating: "My thoughts are with the victims who were unjustly taken by the explosion at the Beirut port three years ago today. Justice must be served, free from any political interference. As always in difficult times, France remains in solidarity with the Lebanese." - Jean-Yves Le Drian (@JY_LeDrian) August 4, 2023
**United Kingdom**
The United Kingdom urged Lebanese authorities to complete a thorough and transparent investigation for accountability and justice for the victims and their families, stating, "Lessons must be learned to protect others." - UK in Lebanon (@ukinlebanon) August 4, 2023
**United States**
The U.S. State Department reaffirmed that the United States continues to stand with the people of Lebanon, stating: "The victims and their families deserve justice and accountability for those responsible for the disaster and for the underlying causes." The lack of progress toward accountability is "unacceptable and underscores the need for judicial reform and increased respect for the rule of law in Lebanon." - Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) August 4, 2023
**Russia**
The Russian embassy in Lebanon stressed the need for a fair, transparent, and non-politicized justice process. They remarked: "Today marks a tragic day in the history of Lebanon. The effects of the explosion that occurred at the Beirut port three years ago are still present. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy and their families."
**Khalaf Al Habtoor**
Emirati businessman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor stated that August 4, 2020, is "a painful date, a black mark in Lebanon's history, and that the pain of the Lebanese will only end with the achievement of justice." He added that this painful date stands as "an open wound in the hearts of Lebanese and our hearts."
Al Habtoor criticized Lebanese politicians from all groups for being paralyzed in the face of this pain, asserting that resolution will only come with justice and uncovering the full truth behind this disaster, which resulted in hundreds of casualties and significant destruction. He expressed condolences for the victims and emphasized the importance of holding each conspirator, perpetrator, and cause accountable swiftly and without political manipulation of this painful humanitarian tragedy. - Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor (@KhalafAlHabtoor) August 4, 2023
